How close should journalists get to their sources?

The story that's set off a media ethics debate in the US involves the relationship between the respected CNBC business journalist Maria Bartiromo and senior Citigroup executive Todd Thomson, who resigned at the weekend. It has emerged that Bartiromo spoke at Citigroup functions in various places across the globe at Thomson's request, and often travelled with him on the company plane. CNBC executives have defended Bartiromo's closeness to Thomson by saying she was fostering positive publicity for herself and the network while developing high-level sources. "I don't think there's even the appearance of a conflict of interest," said an executive. (Via Washington Post)